"Official" Diagnosis?

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What makes an "official" diagnosis "official"? Is there a certain battery of tests?
Does it need to be a psychologist, psychyatrist, doctor, teacher, parent, pope, etc?

Psychiatrist or psychologist, maybe a paediatrician followed by a report with recommendations. Background history is usually taken, talking with parents about current behaviours and problems and if you tick the various boxes...viola. That's a simplified version though.

As far as I know of, there is no specific battery of tests for AS, like there is for NLD. Like Basement said, it's based on patient history and symptom report, as well as on observations by the professional. Psychologists or psychiatrists would certainly be qualified to give an official diagnosis. I doubt a general practitioner would, although they could make a referral to a mental health specialist.

My mother told me that when I was three years old, a psychologist they had me meet with said that, among other things: I showed some signs of autism.

But because it wasn't a specific evaluation for autism (I really don't have any idea why they had me there): I've never regarded it as an 'official' diagnosis.

Official is when it's on paper.

When I was first diagnosed they gave me an official diagnosis of PDD-NOS and an unofficial diagnosis of autism. (This was to protect me from insurance people who would view autism as hopeless, since the insurance people wanted me locked up the rest of my life as far as anyone could tell.) Meaning they wrote down PDD-NOS but told my parents autism. (Later changed it to autism on paper once I hit adulthood.)

It was a psychiatrist. He talked to my mom about my history. He interacted with me a lot. He did some tests of various things. It was in an institution so he was able to watch me a lot of the time. I'm not sure how it's done on an outpatient basis.

I would think that being diagnosed would come with a professional recommendation along with realization and acceptance.
My brother (who is diagnosed with AS) did not communicate with us until he was about three. Then one day he recited, verbatim Home Alone. Still one of his favorites and he is 17 next week.
Which was interesting, my being 11 years older I remember his behavior well.
Then came the echo ism ( I believe that is the word) where he would basically mimic but mainly from tv.
Then when his capacity to communicate improved he showed signs of perseveration.
Had problems when he went to school, etc.
My mothers friend who teaches elementary said it may be autism, or aspergers.
So my mother had him assessed by doctors of all sorts and it was confirmed, I believe they put him on Straterra for a short time, for ADHD. not to treat AS.
But he is what I consider to be the a very classic case of AS and thankfully high functioning, very much able to have relationships with my family. Not too many outside, not really any if I think about it.
He was lucky to be diagnosed in 1997, only shortly after it was recognized and lucky to have found help in school. There are many modifications to his education, but he is graduating with his class, on schedule and makes pretty good grades. of course mainly in what he is interested in. He is hilarious and quite a good artist.
In his case the diagnosis was helpful, but for adults who have always struggled with this unknowingly, it may become a burden to be diagnosed and confusing.
And to have it official does little for someone, besides reaffirm their beliefs and maybe justify their behavior to loved ones & themselves. Are there really benefits, unless you are in a school and work environment that enables help for AS?